What Is 2014 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2014 United States Women's Open marked a historic moment in women's golf, becoming the first time the championship was held at Pinehurst Resort’s famed No. 2 Course in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This edition was notable not only for its challenging course setup but also for its role in advancing gender parity in golf, as it was held the week after the men’s 2014 U.S. Open at the same venue.

South Korea’s So Yeon Ryu emerged victorious after a dramatic three-hole playoff against fellow countrywoman Amy Yang, securing her first major title. The tournament drew widespread acclaim for its organization, broadcast quality, and competitive depth, with 20 players finishing within five shots of the lead.

• July 17–20, 2014: The tournament dates coincided with a major push to elevate women’s golf visibility, following the men’s U.S. Open at the same course.
• Pinehurst No. 2: Designed by Donald Ross and restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course played to 6,511 yards and a par of 71.
• So Yeon Ryu: Entered the final round five shots behind but shot a 66 to finish at 4-under-par, forcing a playoff.
• Amy Yang: Held the lead late on Sunday but faltered with a bogey on the 18th, finishing tied with Ryu at 4-under.
• Playoff format: The three-hole aggregate playoff included holes 1, 17, and 18, with Ryu winning by one stroke.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted under the rules of the USGA and features a rigorous format designed to test the world’s best female golfers. The 2014 edition followed standard procedures but introduced enhanced course conditions to match those used in the men’s Open the previous week.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: The tournament consists of four rounds; the lowest total score wins, with ties broken by playoff.
• Qualifying: 156 players competed, including 60 professionals and 13 amateurs who advanced through sectional qualifying.
• Course Setup: The USGA set the course at 6,511 yards with narrow fairways and firm greens to emphasize precision.
• Weather Impact: Rain delays affected Saturday’s third round, compressing play into a busy Sunday schedule.
• Prize Money: The $4 million purse was the largest in women’s golf at the time, with $720,000 going to the winner.
• Global Representation: Players from 28 countries participated, highlighting the international depth of the field.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 U.S. Women’s Open was often compared to both past editions and the concurrent men’s U.S. Open; the table below highlights key differences and similarities.

This side-by-side comparison illustrates how the 2014 Women’s Open raised the bar for prize money and course equity, even as disparities in total purse remained. The shared venue with the men’s Open sparked national conversation about fairness and visibility in professional golf.

Why It Matters

The 2014 U.S. Women’s Open had lasting implications for the sport, setting benchmarks in broadcasting, gender equity, and competitive drama. Its success helped catalyze future investments in women’s golf and inspired broader media coverage.

• Television Ratings: NBC’s broadcast saw a 35% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, signaling growing interest.
• Course Parity: Using the same course setup as the men’s Open was a symbolic step toward equality in golf.
• Player Recognition: So Yeon Ryu’s win elevated her global profile and inspired young golfers in South Korea.
• USGA Policy Shift: The event influenced future decisions to schedule women’s majors with greater prominence.
• Sponsorship Growth: Increased exposure led to higher sponsorship commitments for subsequent LPGA events.
• Historic Venue: Pinehurst No. 2 became the first course to host both the men’s and women’s U.S. Opens in consecutive weeks.

The 2014 championship is now remembered as a turning point in women’s sports history, demonstrating that elite female athletes can deliver drama, skill, and ratings on the grandest stages.